Four members of the House of Representatives from the Labour Party (LP) have crossed over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside a notable defection from Erthiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, who abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
The mass defection, which occurred on Thursday, was officially announced when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read the lawmakers’ defection letters on the floor of the Green Chamber. The departing LP members include Tochukwu Okere representing Imo State, Donatus Mathew from Kaduna State, Bassey Akiba of Cross River State, and Iyawe Esosa from Edo State.
Among the defectors, Donatus Mathew’s switch has drawn particular attention due to his unique political journey. The representative of Kaura Federal Constituency made headlines in 2023 when he won his parliamentary election while working as a commercial motorcycle rider, making his victory one of the most remarkable stories of the last general elections.
Speaking about his decision to join the ruling party, Mathew offered insight into the personal nature of his choice, emphasizing that it was based on conviction rather than constituency consultation. “You cannot just work on the decision of the people at the constituency level because you are dealing with people with different levels of understanding,” he explained, acknowledging that while some constituents might support his move, others remain skeptical about its implications.
The defection of Erthiatake Ibori-Suenu adds another layer of significance to the political shift. As the daughter of James Ibori, a former Delta State Governor and influential figure in Niger Delta politics, her decision to leave the PDP for the APC could signal broader political realignments in the South-South region.
These defections represent a significant blow to the Labour Party, which had emerged as a strong third force in Nigerian politics following the 2023 general elections. The loss of four representatives diminishes the party’s presence in the lower chamber of the National Assembly and potentially weakens its position as an opposition force.
The timing of these defections raises questions about the internal dynamics within both the Labour Party and the PDP, as well as the growing influence of the ruling APC. Political observers note that such moves often indicate deeper structural issues within the parties losing members, while also highlighting the ruling party’s continued ability to attract politicians from opposition parties.
For the APC, these additions strengthen its majority in the House of Representatives and potentially enhance its influence across different regions of the country. The diverse geographical spread of the defecting lawmakers – representing constituencies from the South-South, South-East, North-Central, and South-West – suggests a broadening of the ruling party’s national appeal.
The development also raises questions about party loyalty and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s political party system. Critics often point to such defections as evidence of the prevalence of personal interest over ideological commitment in Nigerian politics, while supporters argue that political realignments are necessary for effective governance and representation.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the impact of these defections will likely extend beyond immediate parliamentary arithmetic. The moves could influence future political alignments, particularly in the regions represented by the defecting lawmakers, and may signal the beginning of more significant political reorganizations ahead of future electoral contests.
For now, both the Labour Party and the PDP must grapple with the implications of losing these key members, while the APC works to integrate its new members and potentially leverage their influence in their respective constituencies. The coming months will reveal whether these defections represent isolated incidents or the beginning of a larger political realignment in Nigerian politics.
